Nugnes_2026_J.Hazard.Mater_517_143813

This study evaluates the eco-genotoxic effects of four widely detected pharmaceuticals, carbamazepine (CBZ), diclofenac (DCF), fluoxetine (FLX), and propranolol (PRP), in the marine crustacean Artemia franciscana, a non-target marine organism. Acute toxicity was assessed throught mortality, immobility and swimming behavioural alteration showing no significant effects at concentrations up to 10 mg/L. Genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and neurotoxicity were subsequently investigated as sublethal responses. DNA damage was induced by FLX, PRP, and DCF at 0.001 mg/L, whereas CBZ required 0.010 mg/L to produce significant effects. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was significant starting from 1 mg/L for CBZ, 0.01 mg/L for DCF and PRP, while FLX induced ROS already at lower concentrations (0.001 mg/L). Neurotoxicity, evaluated through acetylcholinesterase activity, emerged at 10 mg/L for CBZ, FLX, and PRP. Based on the concentrations inducing significant DNA damage, a preliminary exploration of environmental risk using genotoxicity endpoints revealed DCF and PRP as compounds of potential concern, followed by FLX and CBZ. Overall, the findings suggest that standard acute endpoints may underestimate early sublethal biological effects and highlight the potential value of genotoxicity endpoints for risk characterization of pharmaceuticals in aquatic organisms.